flies here? Damn black flies! Are you afraid of them? Are you a coward? You are a man – a man of pride and honor! (Takes own hat off.) Sir.. I . . . See . . . I ran out of food . . . It ran out for supper . . . Happens to anyone . . .
Jerman. (Reaching for coppers in his pockets.) Take it and go home; you must be drowsy.
Pisek. It could happen to any of us . . . (Sees the pastor, takes a look, points at them with a hat.) Ha, ha! Black suit; within it a black man! Am I to give him a lecture or two? This fubsy podgy roley-poley pork! (Stretches arms aggressively.) Ew!
Jerman. (Grabs Pisek by the arm.) Have a good night! (Opens the door.)
Pisek. (Exiting through the door.) Do not bother . . . Happens to anyone! (Leaves.)
Jerman. (Returns to the pastor.) Has any-one cleaned up for themselves?
Pastor. M-hmm . . . (Stands up.) You are gone converting serfs into human beings. This path is harsh and it is uneven; you will not come to finish it. Nobody has.
Jerman. If I do not get till the end, I will have struggled square.
Pastor. When your fuel runs out and you will be taking a rest on the last rock by the road, remember how distorted I felt when we were voicing our goodbyes.
Jerman. I shall remember.
Pastor. Remember how I warned you; tomorrow will come soon.
Jerman. Let it be as it has been called for.
Pastor. Let it be so! (They both bow slightly. Jerman stands calmly as the priest leaves.)
49
